Honest Accountability

Rod Shimabukuro

Scripture

While it remained unsold, did it not remain your own? And after it was sold, was it not at your disposal? Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to man but to God.” Acts 5:4

Observation

Luke records the situation of Ananias and Sapphira being deceptive, lying about their finances. This story is sandwiched between the making of a God centered community who were giving of themselves and possession to others, and the miracle working power of God to revive broken hearts and lives. It’s not about Ananias and Sapphira’s money, but about lying to God. Much of our human interaction - the way we live, represents us or God. I make decisions daily on either making life about me or God.

Application

What “little” deeds or motives are being contrived in my heart - that are deceptive? I find myself searching my heart, due to conviction in an area of deception. My heart is deceitful. And I must continue to wage war against this deception with the truth of honesty.

One of our New Hope core values speaks to this end - I must commit to a lifestyle of spiritual growth with HONEST ACCOUNTABILITY. I cannot wait to be asked the “accountability questions!” I must be true to the Holy Spirit to initiate confession and repentance of my deceiving thoughts, words. I never want to hide behind the subtle Christian guise and attitude that “It’s all about Jesus and I’m good.” The “little sins within my attitude” must be confessed!!

Prayer

I repent Lord! My heart’s motives I lay in Your presence - at the place of repentance where I ask You once again to spare me forgiveness. My heart can be so deceitful - but I thank YOU for helping me to NOT allow my inner sins to affect my actions. Thanks for Your conviction to help me deal with my inner faults, before they turn into lies, deceiving words or actions! Thank you LORD!